does anyone "do it professionally" by taking different shots for different light sources (e.g. daylight, tungsten and fluorescent) so that each light source can be independently light-balanced before merging the shots? This, of course, gives you a very wide range of options to satisfy a clients requirements.Yes, Scott, but one problem with working as a professional is (I think) that you may not know how the customer pre-visualises the shot - so it is good to have options for post-processing... e.g. to fill deep shadows by merging in another shot.

Dick, that's a valid concern for some folks. I have a clause that requires client representation at the shoot, so they know exactly what they're getting, before we strike the set.

These are from a recent job for the Architect and Interior designer Nacho Ferreira.

I like this picture, but I think if you tune down the white walls and ceiling you will establish a better balance between foreground and background and make the picture easier on the eye overall. Also, we are used to seeing interiors with spot lights in a yellow cast. If you make it pure white it looks a little odd.

Scott, Abdulrahman, thanks for the comments, some images might be over styled, that's our mistake. I'll try toning down some walls to see the difference, but in a general sense of lighting, that's what I am aiming for, is the style I like to accomplish.In some cases I even use tungsten and it shows some yellow cast, like in some of the images above.

Jaja.. What do you make out those ladders?? Thanks for the comments Scott. I think that last image inspire me a lot, is one of the best corners in the house. Actually I photograph the designer sitting there on the carpet with his legs spread out, same composition.

"Photography is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent moving furniture." Arnold Newman“Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” William Faulkner

"Photography is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent moving furniture." Arnold Newman“Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” William Faulkner

ChristopherBarrett

Hello All, sorry for disappearing from the forum for a while, but I have been busy. Here is a recent image that I really like.

Joe, that's a really well thought out image. It looks like you've considered every element of the composition.

I'd like just a little more detail in the blacks, the 3/4 tones drop off fairly quickly. Lighting is quite good, it just feels a bit overly filled from the front. Did you have windows behind you? Closing those or having less lighting from camera would allow the coffee table to have more shape. Also, see how the ottomans are brighter on the front edge than their left faces, doing the opposite would push the viewer's eye into the frame rather than pulling you to the edge. You could do that by Neg-Filling the fronts of the ottomans then hitting the left faces with a grid spot or inky hidden between the left chair and the fireplace. Alternately, you can just mask and retouch those lighter (but that backlight would give great texture to the fabric). Those two white frames on the right edge are also a bit distracting.

I don't love having TV's on in photos but neither do I let them go really black (which makes them rather distracting). I often mask off the screen and drop in a really subtle gradient something like 90% black to 70%. Add a little noise on top of the gradient for believability.

Sorta like this...

As always, Results may vary, consult with your physician and discontinue using this advice should it result in severe stomach cramping.

I don't love having TV's on in photos but neither do I let them go really black (which makes them rather distracting). I often mask off the screen and drop in a really subtle gradient something like 90% black to 70%. Add a little noise on top of the gradient for believability.

The noise or grain added into the faux screen is key. Another nice touch is to reduce the opacity of the gradient so that a few natural reflections show through. Lends a bit of authenticity.

"Photography is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent moving furniture." Arnold Newman“Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” William Faulkner

"Photography is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent moving furniture." Arnold Newman“Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” William Faulkner